A Naturopathic Perspective

Q:What is West Nile Virus
A: West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that results in no symptoms in 70 - 80 % of the population, in 20% of the population it results in flu-like symptoms and in less than 1% of the population it results in severe illnesses such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

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Naturopathic Approach

Prevention Strategies

• Regular rigorous hand washing with greater than 50 C water with soap and/or detergent is recommended to decrease the likelihood of infection and prevent the spread of the virus
• The best way to ensure that the avian flu does not cause signs and symptoms in humans is to ensure an optimal innate immune system and robust terrain.

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Prevention

1. Common sense works
• Avoid close contact with infected people
• Wash hands often, avoid touch nose and eyes with dirty hands
• Reduce stress: meditation, Yoga, exercise, massage, good time with friends and family, etc.
• Good sleep
• Add a humidifier in the room to prevent drying of mucus membrane

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Bottom line: a moderate fever is a friend. However, infants under 3 months old normally don't get fevers. If they do, and it's more than 101 F ( 38.5) it is considered a medical emergency. It is possibly meningitis with a 25% mortality rate.

Most childhood diseases show within 4 days of fever. If the fever is constant it can indicate a bladder infection.

Danger signs

• Fever in infants under 3 moth old
• Fever gets very high, more than 104F or 40c.
• Child becomes confused, or loses consciousness.

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